Antonio Pittman

Northwestern's defense will face major challenges Saturday from Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes in his last four games, and running back Antonio Pittman, who's averaging 5.4 yards per carry. "Their whole package is complementary of [Pittman]," Northwestern coach Randy Walker said. "They have good receivers, so you better not load up against him. They have a quarterback who can make plays not only with his arm but with his feet." . . . Walker is...

Terrelle Pryor beat Illinois with his legs and then rubbed it in with his mouth. Minutes after leading his team to a 30-20 victory, Ohio State's freshman quarterback jogged to the stands to celebrate with Buckeyes fans. Pryor then looked toward some Illini rooters in the student section, pointed at them and laughed. "I just love taunting," Pryor said. "And I like to be taunted." The Illini fans responded with a one-finger salute, a two-syllable dirty word and one...

1. Avoid Ginn. Ted Ginn Jr. (above) has six career touchdowns on punt returns. The Wildcats must punt away from him and minimize his chances to make a game-breaking play. Northwestern has done this before, neutralizing Michigan's Steve Breaston two weeks ago. 2. Control the ball. A few methodical drives featuring the running of Tyrell Sutton and Terrell Jordan would keep the ball away from the Buckeyes. 3. Contain the quarterback. Keeping Troy Smith in the pocket will minimize his...

The toughest part for Eduardo Gonzalez was giving up the flannel pajamas. They were perfectly worn in. But they had an "M" logo, and in the spring of 2002, "M" gave way to "O." Gonzalez played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan in the mid-'70s and graduated from the university with a degree in economics. But when his son, Anthony, committed to Ohio State, his loyalties immediately changed. So did his wardrobe. Out the door went all the Michigan gear, including those pajamas.

After being hammered for 197 rushing yards and five touchdowns by Wisconsin's Heisman Trophy candidate, Brian Calhoun, the Illinois defense is bracing for an onslaught from another of the Big Ten's best running backs, Antonio Pittman, on Saturday at Ohio State. "We need to just stop him," sophomore defensive tackle Chris Norwell said. "The big thing is getting him on the ground." The Buckeyes also boast two players, Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes, who have piled up yardage on punt...

1. Avoid Ginn. Ted Ginn Jr. (above) has six career touchdowns on punt returns. The Wildcats must punt away from him and minimize his chances to make a game-breaking play. Northwestern has done this before, neutralizing Michigan's Steve Breaston two weeks ago. 2. Control the ball. A few methodical drives featuring the running of Tyrell Sutton and Terrell Jordan would keep the ball away from the Buckeyes. 3. Contain the quarterback. Keeping Troy Smith in the pocket will minimize his...

The toughest part for Eduardo Gonzalez was giving up the flannel pajamas. They were perfectly worn in. But they had an "M" logo, and in the spring of 2002, "M" gave way to "O." Gonzalez played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan in the mid-'70s and graduated from the university with a degree in economics. But when his son, Anthony, committed to Ohio State, his loyalties immediately changed. So did his wardrobe. Out the door went all the Michigan gear, including those pajamas.

If only. If only one break had gone this way. If only one call had gone the other way. If only they hadn't let those few plays get away. Then Notre Dame and Ohio State, both 9-2, might be toting perfect records into this matchup. Then, these two teams rather than USC and Texas, might be playing for the national championship. But this is no time for a pity party. While a national title is not on the line, plenty is at stake in this game.

If only. If only one break had gone this way. If only one call had gone the other way. If only they hadn't let those few plays get away. Then Notre Dame and Ohio State, both 9-2, might be toting perfect records into this matchup. Then, these two teams rather than USC and Texas, might be playing for the national championship. But this is no time for a pity party. While a national title is not on the line, plenty is at stake in this game.

Northwestern's defense will face major challenges Saturday from Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes in his last four games, and running back Antonio Pittman, who's averaging 5.4 yards per carry. "Their whole package is complementary of [Pittman]," Northwestern coach Randy Walker said. "They have good receivers, so you better not load up against him. They have a quarterback who can make plays not only with his arm but with his feet." . . . Walker is...

Terrelle Pryor beat Illinois with his legs and then rubbed it in with his mouth. Minutes after leading his team to a 30-20 victory, Ohio State's freshman quarterback jogged to the stands to celebrate with Buckeyes fans. Pryor then looked toward some Illini rooters in the student section, pointed at them and laughed. "I just love taunting," Pryor said. "And I like to be taunted." The Illini fans responded with a one-finger salute, a two-syllable dirty word and one...

After being hammered for 197 rushing yards and five touchdowns by Wisconsin's Heisman Trophy candidate, Brian Calhoun, the Illinois defense is bracing for an onslaught from another of the Big Ten's best running backs, Antonio Pittman, on Saturday at Ohio State. "We need to just stop him," sophomore defensive tackle Chris Norwell said. "The big thing is getting him on the ground." The Buckeyes also boast two players, Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes, who have piled up yardage on punt...

Ohio State running backs Antonio Pittman and Chris Wells left an Akron fundraiser designed to help their families attend the Jan. 8 BCS title game because of concerns the benefit violated NCAA rules. The OSU players, both of Akron, were at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser Satur-day when Wells' mother called offensive coordinator Jim Bollman to explain the situ-ation. Bollman told the Akron Beacon Journal he informed her that NCAA rules do not allow benefit dinners for players' families, and he...

Fisher DeBerry retired Friday after 23 years as Air Force's football coach, finishing with three straight losing seasons. DeBerry, 68, spent 27 years at the school, including four as an assistant coach. His 169-109-1 record made him the winningest coach in Air Force history. - Wisconsin reinstated suspended sophomore defensive back Jack Ikegwuonu pending further developments in his burglary case. - Four of Ohio State's top underclassmen are considering leaving school early to enter the...

Ted Ginn Jr. and Adrian Peterson both sprinted to touchdowns the last time they touched the ball in college. Next up, they hope to score big in the NFL. Ginn, Ohio State's speedy receiver/return man, and Oklahoma running back Peterson will forgo their senior seasons to enter the NFL draft. Monday was the deadline for underclassmen to declare. Ohio State tailback Antonio Pittman also said he was leaving early for the NFL. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan declared himself...

Tim Lewis, who just interviewed for the vacant head-coaching job in Miami, was fired Thursday as the Giants' defensive coordinator. There have been reports that Miami defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who worked with Giants coach Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville, will run the defense if he is not promoted to the top job with the Dolphins. - Receiver Anthony Gonzalez said he will not return for his senior season at Ohio State and will enter the NFL draft. Two other Buckeyes are considering...